AFTER AUTUMN RAIN THERE IS A FRESH, SHARP,
RICH AND EARTHY AROMA IN THE GARDEN AND
WOODLAND.
WALKING THROUGH THE WOODLANDS YOU CAN CATCH
FLASHES OF BERRIES . . . . . . BRIGHT ORANGE, RED,
DEEP PURPLE.
The colors of the leaves are breathtaking.
Soft moss, ivy and ferns have their own distinctive aromas.
I've noticed when trying new perfumes, woodland ingredients
seem to be prevalent now, more so than sweet fruity florals.
The warmth of woody notes, traditionally used in men's fragrances
- which personally I have always had an affinity for -
are now being used in women's perfumes which I think
is wonderful.
Here in my garden, the fig tree is now dropping the first of its yellowing leaves - the
still plentiful green ones have yet to change color and drop to the damp earth.
The most surprising thing in the garden this week is the sudden appearance
of the Angel Trumpets (brugmansia).
Some years they bloom as early as September, other years, and this is such
a one, the plants tease us and don't show blooms until November.
As we have a warm spell coming end of week, I think we'll have quite
a show prior to the chilly temperatures sure to follow soon.
Then I'll cut the branches down almost to the ground, covering them
with mulch and leaves, hoping next Spring they'll shoot up again as they have
for many years.
Monday's constant heavy rain brought a large oak tree limb down on
our back deck. Thankfully the umbrella broke its fall and it didn't
cause damage. We now are concerned about our aging trees. Many
have been removed over the years but it appears there are more needing
to come down for safety's sake. That limb could have gone through the
roof or caused us severe injury if we'd been outside.